What does Matthew 24:34 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 24:34 is part of a larger discourse known as the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks about the end times and the signs that will precede His second coming.

The verse "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled" has been a subject for debate among scholars and theologians, as it appears to make a time-specific prophecy.

On a literal level, it suggests that the generation alive during Jesus's earthly ministry would not completely die out before the prophecies of the end times were fulfilled.

However, interpretations vary on what "this generation" and "all these things" refer to, leading to different understandings of the deeper meaning behind the text.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew, traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew, was written in the 1st century AD, possibly between 80-90 AD.

At that time, the early Christians expected the imminent return of Jesus.

The historical context of this verse is significant because, soon after Jesus's death, the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, an event that some believe is referenced in the preceding verses of Matthew 24 as part of the prediction of coming destructions and tribulations.

Theological Insights

The verse is interpreted differently among various theological perspectives:

• Preterist View: Some argue that "this generation" indeed refers to the contemporaries of Jesus, and "all these things" includes the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, which was fulfilled in 70 AD, implying a partial fulfillment of Jesus's prophecy within that generation.

• Futurist View: Others interpret the verse as referring to a future generation that will see all the signs fulfilled, suggesting that "this generation" pertains to the people who see the beginning of the end times events.

• Idealist View: There are those who view this passage symbolically, asserting that "this generation" stands for all the generations of the faithful, and the phrases concerning the fulfillment of signs are not tied to specific historical events but are ongoing spiritual realities.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse often serves as a reminder to live with a sense of expectancy and readiness, as one day, the prophecies concerning the end times will indeed be fulfilled.

Regardless of when that time comes, the application is for individuals to be vigilant, morally upright, and to invest in things with eternal significance.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:3: "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

• Mark 13:30: "Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done."

• Luke 21:32: "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled."

Language Study

The key phrase "this generation" in Greek is "ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη" (he genea haute).

The word "γενεὰ" (genea) typically means "generation," "race," or "age," referring to a group of people born around the same time. Understanding the exact meaning is crucial as it directly impacts the interpretation of the verse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of apocalyptic prophesies is not unique to Christianity.

Many ancient cultures, including the Jewish culture of the time, had a sense of an apocalyptic end to the current age that would give way to a new era.

Zoroastrianism, for example, also talks about an end-time savior and a final judgment.

Such similarities invite comparisons on how different cultures and religions view the concept of the "end times."

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, prophecies such as those in Matthew 24:34 are not testable hypotheses and do not interact directly with empirical scientific methods.

However, understanding the natural world and its patterns can influence how some people interpret apocalyptic signs in relation to natural disasters or astronomical events.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Matthew 24:34 offer a range of interpretations:

• John Calvin suggested that "this generation" refers to the Jewish people as a race rather than strictly to the age that was alive during Jesus's ministry.

• William Barclay posits that Jesus might not have been giving a time prediction but rather offering an assurance that God's promises will indeed come to pass.

• R.T. France argues that the natural meaning of "generation" would be the contemporaries of Jesus, and understands "all these things" to refer to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, rather than the final end times.

Each commentator brings their own perspective, influenced by the theological and cultural environment within which they work.